Is South Tamiami safe?
Tamiami, Florida · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates South Tamiami as “Go”.
Gogo's take on South Tamiami
“Go. South Tamiami is a safe, stable suburban community in western Miami-Dade County characterized by quiet residential subdivisions and bustling commercial strip malls. While minor opportunistic property crime like vehicle break-ins can occur in retail parking lots, visitors face very low risk of violent crime.”
About the area
South Tamiami is a classic South Florida suburban neighborhood featuring quiet residential streets and strip-mall corridors rich in Cuban and Latin American dining. It offers a relaxed, family-oriented environment with strong homeownership and suburban convenience.
- Suburban
- Family-Friendly
- Car-Dependent
- Latin American Hub
Walking and biking in South Tamiami
Walk score: 42/100 · Bike score: 48/100
Bicycle infrastructure is minimal on major multi-lane roads, meaning safe riding is largely restricted to interior residential streets and dedicated park loops.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are significantly lower than both county and national benchmarks
- High homeownership rate and stable middle-class residential tracts
- Rich concentration of authentic Cuban, Nicaraguan, and Latin American dining options
- Clean, well-maintained neighborhood parks and public recreational facilities
Cons
- Car-dependent layout with heavy traffic along major arterials like SW 8th Street and SW 137th Avenue
- Occasional property crimes such as vehicle break-ins in busy shopping center parking lots
- Limited walkable cultural attractions or nightlife outside of local restaurants
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal in South Tamiami, with occasional unhoused individuals near major arterial bus stops or strip mall perimeters, but no established encampments.
What South Tamiami is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Calm and very safe as commuters depart and residents jog along residential streets.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Active and secure, with steady retail traffic along major shopping avenues and peaceful residential cul-de-sacs.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Lively around neighborhood restaurants and plazas with a very family-friendly, safe environment.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Quiet and dark throughout residential subdivisions; basic awareness is advised in commercial parking lots, but crime remains low.
Transit, parking and getting around
Miami-Dade Transit provides local bus service along major arterials including Routes 8, 24, and 137. The nearest Metrorail hub is the Dadeland North station, situated roughly 7 to 8 miles east.
Parking is exceptionally easy and universally free, with expansive surface parking lots at shopping centers and ample driveway parking in residential areas.
Things to do in South Tamiami
- Sample award-winning Cuban croquetas and traditional pastries at acclaimed local bakeries.
- Enjoy outdoor sports, walking paths, and community events at nearby Tamiami Park.
- Explore local Latin American specialty markets and open-air juice bars along major commercial corridors.
Local favorites
- Islas Canarias Restaurant · Cuban Restaurant · 4.6★ (5800)Renowned South Florida institution famed for its legendary ham croquetas and classic Cuban entrees.
- El Palacio de los Jugos · Latin American Restaurant · 4.4★ (3200)Vibrant food pavilion serving fresh tropical fruit juices, lechón asado, and hot Latin prepared foods.
- Tamiami Park · Park · 4.6★ (2900)Expansive county park featuring baseball diamonds, tennis courts, picnic shelters, and walking paths.
Scores are safety-driven — recent reported crime and local news plus Census income, poverty, housing, education, household and access data — refreshed nightly. Walk and bike scores are shown separately and do not affect the safety score. A guide, not a guarantee — conditions change street to street.